May zoledronic acid have negative effects on cognition and muscle performance?

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the effects of zoledronic acid treatment on daily living activities, cognitive functions, depression, muscle strength, and performance. The study was conducted retrospectively. Bone mineral densitometry (BMD) values, Katz activities of daily living (ADL), Lawton-Brody instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), mini mental state examination (MMSE), geriatric depression scale (GDS), mini nutritional assessment (MNA), grip strength, and gait speed scores before and 6months after zoledronic acid administration were compared. A total of 115 patients were included in the study. There was a significant increase in lumbar total (p < .001), femoral neck (p = .002), and femur total (p = .001) BMD values after zoledronic acid treatment. Significant decrease was found in MMSE (p = .016) and gait speed scores (p = .008) after zoledronic acid treatment, but no significant difference was found in terms of Katz ADL, Lawton-Brody IADL, MNA, GDS, and grip strength (p > .05). Our study indicated that zoledronic acid did not affect daily living activities, depression, and muscle strength. Although we have concluded that cognitive and muscle performance may be adversely affected by zoledronic acid treatment.